Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
  • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
  • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
  • G02F1/15—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on an electrochromic effect
  • G02F1/1514—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on an electrochromic effect characterised by the electrochromic material, e.g. by the electrodeposited material
  • G02F1/1516—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on an electrochromic effect characterised by the electrochromic material, e.g. by the electrodeposited material comprising organic material
  • G02F1/15165—Polymers
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
  • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
  • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
  • G02F1/15—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on an electrochromic effect
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
  • B60J3/00—Antiglare equipment associated with windows or windscreens; Sun visors for vehicles
  • B60J3/04—Antiglare equipment associated with windows or windscreens; Sun visors for vehicles adjustable in transparency
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
  • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
  • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
  • G02F1/15—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on an electrochromic effect
  • G02F1/1514—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on an electrochromic effect characterised by the electrochromic material, e.g. by the electrodeposited material
  • G02F1/1516—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on an electrochromic effect characterised by the electrochromic material, e.g. by the electrodeposited material comprising organic material
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
  • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
  • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
  • G02F1/15—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on an electrochromic effect
  • G02F1/1514—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on an electrochromic effect characterised by the electrochromic material, e.g. by the electrodeposited material
  • G02F2001/15145—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on an electrochromic effect characterised by the electrochromic material, e.g. by the electrodeposited material the electrochromic layer comprises a mixture of anodic and cathodic compounds

Definitions

• an electrochromic device including a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith, a second substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith, an electrochromic composition contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates that includes at least one anodic electroactive material, at least one cathodic electroactive material, and at least one solvent, wherein at least one of the anodic electroactive and cathodic electroactive materials is electrochromic, and wherein the electrochromic device exhibits a contrast ratio of at least 20,000:1, a darkening time less than about 30 seconds, and a clearing time of less than about 150 seconds.
• the electrochromic device may have a contrast ratio of about 40,000:1 to about 500,000:1. In another embodiment, the electrochromic device may have a contrast ratio of at least 60,000:1. In another embodiment, the electrochromic device may have a contrast ratio of at least 80,000:1. [0007] In one embodiment, the electrochromic device may have a clearing time of about 20 seconds to about 150 seconds. In another embodiment, the electrochromic device may have a clearing time of about 20 seconds to about 60 seconds. [0008] In one embodiment, the electrochromic device may have a darkening time of about 5 seconds to about 30 seconds. In another embodiment, the electrochromic device may have a darkening time of about 10 seconds to about 20 seconds.
• the first substantially transparent substrate and second substantially transparent substrate have a cell distance of less than 500 ⁇ m. In another embodiment, the first substantially transparent substrate and second substantially transparent substrate have a cell distance of about 150 ⁇ m to about 500 ⁇ m. In another embodiment, the first substantially transparent substrate and second substantially transparent substrate have a cell distance of about 300 ⁇ m to about 400 ⁇ m. In another embodiment, the first substantially transparent substrate and second substantially transparent substrate have a cell distance of about 350 ⁇ m. [0010] In one embodiment, at least one of the anodic electroactive materials has a concentration of at least 5 mM. In another embodiment, at least one of the anodic electroactive materials has a concentration of about 5 mM to about 60 mM.
• At least one of the anodic electroactive materials has a concentration of about 5 mM to about 7 mM. In another embodiment, a second anodic electroactive material has a concentration of about 50 mM to about 60 mM. [0011] In one embodiment, at least one of the cathodic electroactive materials has a concentration of at least 50 mM. In another embodiment, at least one of the cathodic electroactive materials has a concentration of about 60 mM to about 100 mM. [0012] In one embodiment, at least one of the anodic electroactive material includes a substituted or unsubstituted phenazine compound.
• At least one of the anodic electroactive material includes a substituted or unsubstituted 2,7-dialkyl-5,10-dialkyl- 5,10-dihydrophenazine compound.
• at least one alkyl group of the 5,10-dialkyl includes at least four carbon atoms and is void of any ⁇ hydrogen atoms, and at least one alkyl group of the 2,7-dialkyl includes at least four carbons.
• At least one alkyl group of the 5,10-dialkyl includes a substituted or unsubstituted neopentyl group
• at least one alkyl group of the 2,7-dialkyl includes a substituted or unsubstituted neopentyl, isobutyl, 2-ethylbutyl, 2-methylbutyl, 2-ethylhexyl, or 2-propylpentyl.
• at least one alkyl group of the 5,10-dialkyl includes a neopentyl group
• at least one alkyl group of the 2,7-dialkyl includes an isobutyl group.
• the electrochromic medium may also include a mixture of 2,7- and 2,8-phenazine isomers.
• at least one of the cathodic electroactive material includes a viologen. Such viologens may be substituted or unsubstituted.
• the cathodic electroactive material includes an N,N’-dialkyldipyridinium compound (i.e. a “viologen”).
• at least one alkyl of the N,N’-dialkyldipyridinium includes at least four carbon atoms and less than two ⁇ hydrogen atoms.
• at least one alkyl group attached to the dipyridinium compound is a (2- ethylhexyl) group.
• the viologen counter ion is any anion.
• the counter ion is BF 4 , PF 6 , SbF 6 , p-toluenesulfonate, trifluoromethansulfonate, or bis-trifluoromethanesulfonimide.
• the electrochromic composition further includes an anodic and/or cathodic color-stabilizing redox buffer.
• suitable anodic and cathodic redox buffers include, but are not limited to, metallocenes (e.g., substituted ferrocenes) having different oxidation states.
• the electrochromic composition may further include a cross-linked polymer matrix, a free-standing gel, and/or a substantially non-weeping gel.
• the present technology is directed to an aircraft window system including a housing for containing a first substantially transparent interior substrate, a second substantially transparent exterior substrate, and a variable transmission electrochromic window positioned between the interior and exterior substrates, wherein the variable transmission electrochromic window includes: a third substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; a fourth substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; an electrochromic composition contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates including at least one anodic electroactive material, at least one cathodic electroactive material, and at least one solvent, wherein at least one of the anodic electroactive and cathodic electroactive materials is electrochromic; and wherein the electrochromic device exhibits a contrast ratio of at least 20,000:1, a darkening time less than about 30 seconds,
• FIG. 1 is a graph representing the darkening time and clearing time according to one embodiment of the present technology, and the darkening time and clearing time for a prior art electrochromic device.
• DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0019] The present technology is described herein using several definitions, as set forth throughout the specification.
• substituted refers to a group, in which one or more bonds to a hydrogen atom contained therein are replaced by a bond to non-hydrogen or non-carbon atoms.
• Substituted groups also include groups in which one or more bonds to a carbon(s) or hydrogen(s) atom are replaced by one or more bonds, including double or triple bonds, to a heteroatom.
• a substituted group is substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 substituents.
• substituent groups include: halogens (for example, F, Cl, Br, and I), hydroxyl (alcohol), alkoxy, alkenoxy, alkynoxy, aryloxy, aralkyloxy, carbonyls (oxo), carboxyls, esters, ketones, amides, urethanes, thiols, sulfides, sulfoxides, sulfones, sulfonyls, sulfonamides, amines, isocyanates, isothiocyanates, cyanates, thiocyanates, nitro groups, nitriles (for example, CN), phosphoryl, phosphonyl, aryl, olefin, alkyl, cycloalkyl and the like.
• halogens for example, F, Cl, Br, and I
• alkoxy alkenoxy, alkynoxy, aryloxy, aralkyloxy
• “alkyl” groups include straight chain and branched alkyl groups having from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, and typically from 1 to 12 carbons or, in some embodiments, from 1 to 8 carbon atoms.
• “alkyl groups” include cycloalkyl groups as defined below. Alkyl groups may be substituted or unsubstituted. Examples of straight chain alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, n- hexyl, n-heptyl, and n-octyl groups.
• branched alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, isopropyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, neopentyl, and isopentyl groups.
• Representative substituted alkyl groups may be substituted one or more times with, for example, amino, thio, hydroxy, cyano, alkoxy, and/or halo groups such as F, Cl, Br, and I groups.
• haloalkyl is an alkyl group having one or more halo groups. In some embodiments, haloalkyl refers to a per-haloalkyl group.
• “Clearing time” as used herein refers to the time required at short circuit for an electrochromic device, starting in a minimum low transmission state and after maintaining the device in the minimum low transmission state for at least 250 seconds, to attain 98% of the transmission range between the minimum transmission value and the maximum transmission value of the device as measured at short circuit.
• “Darkening time” as used herein refers to the time required for an electrochromic device
• an electrochromic device to transition from a high transmission state at short circuit (or in an unpowered state) to reach 90% of the transmission range between the highest transmission value and of the lowest transmission value of the device.
• “Contrast ratio” as used herein refers to the ratio of the initial high transmission steady state value for a device in a short circuit to the steady state a transmission value in its fully powered state.
• an electrochromic device including a solution phase electrochromic medium exhibits a contrast ratio of at least 20,000:1, a darkening time less than about 30 seconds, and a clearing time of less than about 150 seconds.
• an electrochromic device in another aspect, includes a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith, a second substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith, an electrochromic composition contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates that includes at least one anodic electroactive material, at least one cathodic electroactive material, and at least one solvent, wherein at least one of the anodic electroactive and cathodic electroactive materials is electrochromic, and wherein the electrochromic device exhibits a contrast ratio of at least 20,000:1, a darkening time less than about 30 seconds, and a clearing time of less than about 150 seconds.
• the first substrate may be fabricated from any one of a number of materials that are transparent or substantially transparent in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as, for example, borosilicate glass, boroaluminosilicate glass, soda lime glass, natural and synthetic polymeric resins, plastics, and/or composites including polyesters (e.g. PET), polyimides (PI), polycarbonates, polysulfones, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), acrylate polymers, polyamides like Trogamide® CX 7323 from Evonik Industries, cyclic olefin polymers (COP), and cyclic olefin co-polymers (COC) like Topas®.
• polyesters e.g. PET
• PI polyimides
• PEN polyethylene naphthalate
• EVA ethylene vinyl acetate
• acrylate polymers polyamides like Trogamide® CX 7323 from Evonik Industries
• COP cyclic
• the first substrate is fabricated from a sheet of glass having a thickness ranging from approximately 0.10 millimeters (mm) to approximately 12.7 mm, from approximately 0.50 mm to approximately 1.50 mm, or from approximately 0.65 mm to approximately 1.00 mm.
• the thickness of the substrate will depend largely upon the particular application of the variable transmission electrochromic window. While particular substrate materials have been disclosed, for illustrative purposes only, numerous other substrate materials may be used, provided they are substantially transparent and exhibit appropriate physical properties, such as strength, to be able to operate effectively in conditions of intended use. Indeed, variable transmission electrochromic windows in accordance with the present invention can be, during normal operation, exposed to extreme temperature variation as well as substantial UV radiation, emanating primarily from the sun.
• the first substrate and/or second substrate may include a UV absorbing layer and/or contain a UV absorbing material to help protect the substrate(s) and/or the electrochromic media from UV damage.
• the second substrate may be fabricated from similar materials as that of the first substrate.
• the second substrate is fabricated from a sheet of glass or plastic having a thickness ranging from approximately 0.10 mm to approximately 12.7 mm, from approximately 0.50 mm to approximately 1.50 mm, or from approximately 0.65 mm to approximately 1.00 mm.
• first and second substrates are fabricated from sheets of glass, then the glass can optionally be tempered, heat strengthened, chemically strengthened, and/or laminated prior to or subsequent to being coated with layers of electrically conductive material.
• the first and second substrates may be laminated to materials that are similar to them in composition or different from them in composition.
• One or more layers of electrically conductive material may be associated with the rear surface of the first substrate. These layers serve as an electrode for the variable transmission electrochromic window.
• Electrically conductive material is desirably a material that: (a) is substantially transparent in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum; (b) bonds reasonably well to the first substrate; (c) maintains this bond when associated with a sealing member; (d) is generally resistant to corrosion from materials contained within the variable transmission electrochromic window or the atmosphere; and (e) exhibits minimal diffuse or specular reflectance as well as sufficient electrical conductance.
• the electrically conductive material may be fabricated from fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO), for example TEC glass, indium/tin oxide (ITO), doped zinc oxide, indium zinc oxide, metal
• One or more metals or alloys can be deposited in a pattern to create a grid or nano- structured electrode on the substrate.
• One or more layers of an electrically conductive material made of the same or different materials as those associated with the rear surface of the first substrate may be associated the front surface of the second substrate.
• the electrically conductive material may be operatively bonded to electrically conductive material associate with the first substrate by a sealing member.
• the sealing member, plug and/or the juxtaposed portions of electrically conductive materials may serve to generally define an inner peripheral geometry of a chamber.
• edge sealing techniques may be utilized which are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,372,611 entitled Vehicular Rearview Mirror Elements And Assemblies Incorporating These Elements.
• the first substantially transparent substrate and second substantially transparent substrate have a cell distance of less than 500 ⁇ m.
• the first substantially transparent substrate and second substantially transparent substrate have a cell distance of about 150 ⁇ m to about 500 ⁇ m, about 200 ⁇ m to about 400 ⁇ m, about 225 ⁇ m to about 375 ⁇ m, or ranges between any two of these values (including endpoints).
• the first substantially transparent substrate and second substantially transparent substrate have a cell distance of about 350 ⁇ m, 400 ⁇ m, 375 ⁇ m, 350 ⁇ m, 325 ⁇ m, 300 ⁇ m, 175 ⁇ m, 150 ⁇ m, or ranges between any two of these values (including endpoints). In another embodiment, the first substantially transparent substrate and second substantially transparent substrate have a cell distance of about 350 ⁇ m.
• the sealing member may include any material that is capable of being adhesively bonded to the electrically conductive materials coated on the first and second substrate to, in turn, seal a chamber, in certain embodiments in cooperation with a plug and fill port so that electrochromic composition does not inadvertently leak out of the chamber.
• the sealing member may extend all the way to rear surface and front surface of their respective substrates.
• the layers of electrically conductive material coated on the first and second substrates may be partially removed where the sealing member is positioned. If the electrically conductive materials are not associated with their respective substrates, then the sealing member preferably bonds well to glass, plastics, or other substrates. It will be understood that sealing member can be fabricated from any one of a number of materials including, for example, those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos.
• the electrochromic composition may include at least one solvent, at least one anodic electroactive material (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.), and at least one cathodic material (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.).
• anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of them is electrochromic. It will be understood that regardless of its ordinary meaning, the term “electroactive” will be defined herein as a material that undergoes a modification in its oxidation state upon exposure to a particular electrical potential difference.
• An electrochromic medium may include a single-layer of material, which may include small non-homogenous regions and includes solution-phase devices where a material may be contained in solution in an ionically conducting electrolyte which remains in solution in the electrolyte when electrochemically oxidized or reduced.
• Solution phase electroactive materials may be contained in the continuous solution-phase of a gel composition in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 5,928,572 entitled Electrochromic Layer And Devices Comprising Same, and International Patent Application Serial No.
• Electrochromic Devices Using Such Solid Films, And Processes For Making Such Solid Films And Devices.
• More than one anodic and cathodic material can be combined to give a pre- selected color as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,998,617 entitled Electrochromic Compounds; 6,020,987 entitled Electrochromic Medium Capable Of Producing A Pre-selected Color; 6,037,471 entitled Electrochromic Compounds; and 6,141,137 entitled Electrochromic Media For Producing A Pre-selected Color.
• the anodic and cathodic materials may also be combined or linked by a bridging unit as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,241,916 entitled Electrochromic System, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0015214 entitled Electrochromic Device.
• the anodic and cathodic materials may also be combined or linked by a bridging unit as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,241,916 entitled Electrochromic System, and U.S. Patent Publication No.
• electrochromic materials may also include near-infrared (NIR) absorbing compounds as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,193,912 entitled Near Infrared-Absorbing Electrochromic Compounds And Devices Comprising Same.
• NIR near-infrared
• the anodic and cathodic electrochromic materials can also include coupled materials as described in U.S. Patent No.
• a single-layer, single-phase composition may include a composition where the anodic and cathodic materials are incorporated into a polymer matrix as described in International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/EP98/03862 entitled Electrochromic Polymer System, and International Patent Application Serial No.
• the electrochromic medium may be made up in layers and includes a material attached directly to an electrically conducting electrode or confined in close proximity thereto which remains attached or confined when electrochemically oxidized or reduced.
• one or more materials may undergo a change in phase during the operation of the device, for example a material contained in solution in the ionically conducting electrolyte forms a layer on the electrically conducting electrode when electrochemically oxidized or reduced.
• the electrochromic composition may include other materials, such as UV absorbers, UV stabilizers, thermal stabilizers, antioxidants, thickeners, viscosity modifiers, tint providing agents, redox buffers, and mixtures thereof.
• Suitable UV-stabilizers may include, but are not limited to, 2-ethyl-2-cyano-3,3-diphenyl acrylate; (2-ethylhexyl)-2- cyano-3,3-diphenyl acrylate; 2-(2'-hydroxy-4'-methylphenyl)benzotriazole, sold by Ciba- Geigy Corp.
• the electrochromic composition further includes an anodic and/or cathodic color-stabilizing redox buffer.
• Suitable redox buffers include, among others, those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,188,505 entitled Color-Stabilized Electrochromic Devices.
• Other examples of suitable anodic and cathodic redox buffers include, but are not limited to, metallocenes (e.g., substituted ferrocenes) having different oxidation states.
• the electrochromic composition may further include a cross-linked polymer matrix, a free-standing gel, and/or a substantially non-weeping gel.
• Anodic materials may include any one of a number of materials including ferrocene, substituted ferrocenes, substituted ferrocenyl salts, phenazine, substituted phenazines, phenothiazine, substituted phenothiazines including substituted
• triphenodithiazines triphenodithiazines, thianthrene, and substituted thianthrenes.
• anodic materials may include di-tert-butyl-diethylferrocene; 5,10-dimethyl-5,10-dihydrophenazine (DMP); 3,7,10-trimethylphenothiazine; 2,3,7,8-tetramethoxy-thianthrene; 10-methylphenothiazine, tetramethylphenazine (TMP; see U.S. Patent No. 6,242,602); and
• the anodic material may also include a polymer film, such as a polyaniline, a polythiophene, a polymeric metallocene, or a solid transition metal oxide, including, but not limited to, oxides of vanadium, nickel, and iridium, as well as numerous heterocyclic compounds.
• Anodic materials include those as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,902,108, entitled Single-Compartment, Self-Erasing, Solution-Phase Electrochromic Devices, Solutions For Use Therein, And Uses Thereof; 5,998,617, entitled Electrochromic
• At least one of the anodic electroactive material includes a phenazine compound.
• phenazine compounds include, but are not limited to 2,7-dialkyl-5,10-dialkyl- 5,10-dihydrophenazines.
• At least one alkyl group of the 5,10- dialkyl groups in the phenazine has at least 4 carbon atoms, and is void of any ⁇ -hydrogen atoms, and at least one alkyl group of the 2,7-dialkyl groups in the phenazine has at least 4 carbon atoms.
• at least one alkyl group of the 5,10-dialkyl groups is a neopentyl, and at least one alkyl group of the 2,7-dialkyl groups is isobutyl, (2-ethylbutyl), or (2-propylpentyl) group.
• At least one alkyl group of the 5,10-dialkyl groups is a neopentyl, and at least one alkyl group of the 2,7-dialkyl groups is a 2-ethyl-1- butanol. In another embodiment, at least one alkyl group of the 5,10-dialkyl groups is a neopentyl, and at least one alkyl group of the 2,7-dialkyl groups is an isobutyl.
• Cathodic materials may include, for example, viologens, such as methyl viologen tetrafluoroborate, octyl viologen tetrafluoroborate (octylviologen), or benzyl viologen tetrafluoroborate; ferrocinium salts, such as (6-(tri- tertbutylferrocinium)hexyl)triethylammonium di-tetrafluoroborate (TTBFc. + ) and as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,046,418 entitled Reversible Electrodeposition Devices And Associated Electrochemical Media. While specific cathodic materials have been provided for illustrative purposes only, numerous other conventional cathodic materials may be used including, but not limited to, those disclosed in previously referenced U.S. Patent Nos.
• the cathodic material may include a polymer film, such as various polythiophenes or polymeric viologens, an inorganic film, or a solid transition metal oxide, including, but not limited to, tungsten oxide.
• At least one of the cathodic electroactive material includes a viologen.
• at least one of the cathodic electroactive material includes a 1,1’dialkyl- 4,4’-dipyridinium compound.
• at least one alkyl group attached to the dipyridinium compound includes at least 4 carbon atoms, and fewer than two ⁇ -hydrogen atoms.
• at least one alkyl group of the dipyridinium compound includes a (2-ethylhexyl) group.
• a viologen counter ion is any anion.
• Illustrative anions include, but are not limited to, BF - 4 , PF - 6 , SbF - 6 , p-toluenesulfonate, trifluoromethansulfonate, or bis-trifluoromethanesulfonimide.
• the electrochromic device may have a clearing time of about 20 seconds to about 150 seconds. In another embodiment, the electrochromic device may have a clearing time of about 20 seconds to about 100 seconds, about 25 seconds to about 85 seconds, about 30 seconds to about 70 seconds, about 35 seconds to about 55, about 40 seconds to about 50 seconds, or ranges between any two of these values (including endpoints).
• the electrochromic device may have a clearing time of about 20 seconds to about 60 seconds. In another embodiment, the electrochromic device may have a clearing time of less than about 150 seconds. In another embodiment, the electrochromic device may have a clearing time of less than about 150 seconds, about 140 seconds, about 130 seconds, about 120 seconds, about 110 seconds, about 100 seconds, about 100 seconds, about 90 seconds, about 80 seconds, about 70 seconds, about 60 seconds, about 50 seconds, about 40 seconds, about 30 seconds, about 20 seconds, or ranges between any two of these values (including endpoints). [0052] In one embodiment, the electrochromic device may have a darkening time of about 5 seconds to about 30 seconds.
• the electrochromic device may have a darkening time of about 10 seconds to about 20 seconds.
• the concentration of the anodic and/or cathodic materials can range from approximately 1 millimolar (mM) to approximately 500 mM and more preferably from approximately 2 mM to approximately 100 mM.
• at least one of the anodic electroactive materials has a concentration of at least 5 mM.
• at least one of the anodic electroactive materials has a concentration of about 2 mM to about 100 mM, about 5 mM to about 75 mM, about 7 mM to about 70 mM, or ranges between any two of these values (including endpoints).
• At least one of the anodic electroactive materials has a concentration of about 5 mM to about 7 mM. In another embodiment, a second anodic electroactive material has a concentration of about 50 mM to about 60 mM. [0055] In one embodiment, at least one of the cathodic electroactive materials has a concentration of at least 50 mM. In another embodiment, at least one of the cathodic electroactive materials has a concentration of about 50 mM to about 100 mM, about 60 to about 90 mM, about 70 mM to about 80 mM, or ranges between any two of these values (including endpoints). [0056] In another embodiment, the electrochromic device may have a contrast ratio of at least about 2,000:1. In another embodiment, the electrochromic device may have a contrast ratio of at least about 10,000:1. In another embodiment, the electrochromic device may have a contrast ratio of at least about 40,000:1. In another embodiment, the
• the electrochromic device may have a contrast ratio of at least about 60,000:1. In another embodiment, the electrochromic device may have a contrast ratio of at least about 80,000:1. In another embodiment, the electrochromic device may have a contrast ratio of about 2,000:1 to about 100,000:1. In another embodiment, the electrochromic device may have a contrast ratio of at least about 40,000:1, about 50,000:1, about 60,000:1, about 70,000:1, about 80,000:1, about 90,000:1, about 100,000:1, about 150,000:1, about 200,000:1, about 300,000:1, about 400,000:1, about 500,000:1, or ranges between any two of these values (including endpoints). In one embodiment, the electrochromic device may have a contrast ratio of about 40,000:1 to about 500,000:1.
• the electrochromic device may have a contrast ratio of about 40,000:1 to about 500,000:1; 50,000:1 to about 450,000:1; about 60,000:1 to about 400,000:1; about 70,000:1 to about 350,000:1; about 80,000:1 to about 300,000:1; about 90,000:1 to about 250,000:1; about 100,000:1 to about 200,000:1; or ranges between any two of these values (including endpoints).
• a solvent of electrochromic composition may include, but is not limited to, 3-methylsulfolane, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl formamide, tetraglyme and other polyethers; alcohols such as ethoxyethanol; nitriles, such as acetonitrile, glutaronitrile, 3-hydroxypropionitrile, and 2-methylglutaronitrile; ketones including 2- acetylbutyrolactone, and cyclopentanone; cyclic esters including beta-propiolactone, gamma- butyrolactone, gamma-valerolactone; organic carbonates such as, but not limited to, propylene carbonate (PC), ethylene carbonate; and homogenous mixtures of the same.
• PC propylene carbonate
• the electrochromic composition may include a propylene carbonate solvent.
• the present technology is directed to an aircraft window system.
• a system may include a housing for containing a first substantially transparent interior substrate, a second substantially transparent exterior substrate, and a variable transmission electrochromic window positioned between the interior and exterior substrates, wherein the variable transmission electrochromic window includes: a third substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; a fourth substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; an electrochromic composition contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates including at least one anodic electroactive material, at least one cathodic electroactive material, and at least one solvent, wherein at least one of the anodic electroactive and cathodic electroactive materials is electrochromic; and wherein the electrochromic device exhibits a contrast ratio of at least 20,000:1, a darkening time less than about 30 seconds, and a clearing time of less than about 150 seconds.
• the aircraft window system includes a variable transmission electrochromic window including an interior substrate and exterior substrate, which are secured within a housing.
• the aircraft window system may be suitable for application in, for example, private and commercial aircraft including, but not limited to, those manufactured by Boeing and Gulfstream.
• the interior substrate may include a substrate fabricated from a polycarbonate resin, such as Lexan. It will be understood that the interior substrate may be fabricated from any material acceptable within the aircraft industry as an interior substrate.
• the exterior substrate, or the primary pressure window may include a substrate fabricated from glass, stretched acrylic or laminates thereof. EXAMPLES [0062] The following examples more specifically illustrate protocols for preparing polymers according to various embodiments described above.
• Example 1 A variable transmission electrochromic window.
• a variable transmission electrochromic device was prepared by placing two indium tin oxide (ITO)- coated glass substrates spaced 250 ⁇ m apart in a parallel arrangement with the ITO coated sides facing each other. Each substrate had a conductive silver epoxy dispensed around the perimeter of the substrate. An epoxy seal was dispensed around the perimeter extending inward of the silver epoxy, between the two substrates, sealing the substrates together to form a chamber. The epoxy seal was allowed to cure. The chamber was then filled with an electrochromic composition in propylene carbonate.
• ITO indium tin oxide
• composition was 69.3 mM (bis-N,N’-(2-ethylhexyl) viologen (BF 4 ) 2 ; 53.0 mM 5,10-dihydro-5,10-dineopentyl phenazine; 5.8 mM 2,7-di-2-ethylbutyl-5,10-dineopentyl-5,10-dihydrophenazine; 5.8 mM 2,7-diisobutyl-5,10-dineopentyl-5,10-dihydrophenazine; 15mM Tinuvin 384; 30 mM Tinuvin PE; 170 mM 4-methoxy-2-hydroxy benzophenone; 1.0 mM decamethyl ferrocinium BF 4 ; 0.5 mM decamethyl ferrocene; the composition was formed into a cross-linked polymer matrix as described in U.S.
• MDI 4,4’-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate)
• the second device was prepared with 34.8 mM (bis-N,N’-(2-ethylhexyl) viologen (BF 4 ) 2 ; 26.5 mM 5,10-dihydro-5,10-dineopentyl phenazine; 5.8 mM 2,7-di-2-ethylbutyl-5,10-dineopentyl-5,10-dihydrophenazine; 15mM Tinuvin 384; 30 mM Tinuvin PE; 85 mM 4-methoxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone; 1.0 mM decamethylferrocinium BF 4 ; 0.5 mM decamethylferrocene; 0.375% by weight MDI; 5.5% by weight of a co-polymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methylacrylate in a 1:10 molar ratio, respectively; and 8 ppm dibutyltin diacetate.
• BF 4 bis-N,N’-(2-eth
• the electrochromic medium was filled into a device as described in Example 1, but with a larger 500 ⁇ m cell spacing between the two sheets of ITO-coated glass.
• a voltage of 1.2 V was applied to each device, and the darkening and clearing times were measured as follows. The percent transmission was measured in half second intervals for 300 seconds to measure the darkening time for both devices. After 300 seconds, the voltage was removed and an external short circuit was placed between the two ITO electrodes to measure the clearing time for both devices. The results are shown in Table 1 and FIG. 1. [0065] Table 1: Darkening and Clearing Times
• Example 3 (Comparative/prior art) An electrochromic window was constructed in the shape of a commercial aircraft window.
• the oval shaped window had a height of approximately 47.625 cm and a width of approximately 28.575 cm, and was constructed from two glass substrates having a conductive coating of ITO with a sheet resistance of approximately 2 ⁇ / ⁇ (see U.S. Patent No. 7,990,603 entitled Variable
• the window was filled with a solution of 34.8 mM 2- ethylhexyl viologen (BF 4 ) 2 ; 26.5 mM 5,10-dihydro-dineopentyl phenazine; 5.8 mM 2,7-di-2- ethylbutyl-5,10-dineopentyl-5,10-dihydrophenazine; 15mM Tinuvin 384; 30 mM Tinuvin PE; 85 mM 4-methoxy-2-hydroxy benzophenone; 1.0 mM decamethyl ferrocinium BF 4 ; 0.5 mM decamethyl ferrocene; 0.375 % by weight MDI; 5.5% by weight a co-polymer of 2- hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methylacrylate at a 1:10 molar ratio; and 8 ppm dibutyl tin diacetate.
• BF 4 2- ethylhexyl viologen
• the cell spacing was determined by a Keyence® LT-9001/LT-9030 measurement to be 543 m near the center of the window and 582 ⁇ m near the edge.
• the window was measured using an Ocean Optics® single beam spectrometer and a dual beam Cary® 7000 UV-VIS-NIR spectrometer utilizing an optical density value of 4“OD 4” neutral density filter to attenuate the reference beam.
• the high transmission value and fully darkened transmission value defined as CIE Y using illuminant D65 and a 10° observer (see “Principles of Color Technology” (Billmeyer and Saltzman)) were measured.
• Example 4 An electrochromic window was prepared in a manner similar to Example 3, but with a cell spacing of 308 ⁇ m near the center and 331 ⁇ m near the edge.
• the window was filled with a solution of 69.6 mM 2-ethylhexyl viologen (BF 4 ) 2 ; 53.0 mM 5,10- dihydro-dineopentyl phenazine; 5.8 mM 2,7-di-2-ethylbutyl-5,10-dineopentyl-5,10- dihydrophenazine; 5.8 mM 2,7-diisobutyl-5,10-dineopentyl-5,10-dihydrophenazine; 30 mM Tinuvin PE; 1.0 mM decamethyl ferrocinium BF 4 ; 0.5 mM decamethyl ferrocene; 0.375 % by weight MDI; 5.5% by weight a co-polymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and
• Example 5 An electrochromic window was prepared in a manner similar to Example 3, but with a cell spacing of 373 ⁇ m near the center and 367 ⁇ m near the edge and an ITO sheet resistance of 1 ⁇ / ⁇ was filled with a solution of example 4. The window was measured in the same manner as the window in Example 3.
• Example 6 An electrochromic window was prepared in a manner similar to Example 5, but with a cell spacing of 301 ⁇ m near the center and 301 ⁇ m near the edge and was filled with a solution of Example 5. The window was measured in the same manner as the window in Example 3.
• Table 2 illustrates optical properties for the windows made in Examples 3, 4, 5 and 6. Table 2: Optical properties of the windows
• the difference of the logs 10 of the transmission values is found to be a better measure of the perceived transmission difference between the edge and center (for example the window of example 4 had a larger perceived edge to center difference at 0.7– 0.8 V than at 0.5V, despite the difference in transmission values being significantly smaller.
• the prior art window with the larger cell spacing and smaller dynamic range shows very little perceived difference between the edge and center throughout the intermediate transmission levels. It is preferred that the difference of the logs of the transmission values between the center and edge“M ce (T)” remains below 1 for all intermediate state voltages of the window and more preferably remains below 0.7 and more preferred to remain below 0.5.
• the illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description and claims are not meant to be limiting.

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